The Sun House, Galle, Sri Lanka

Once the home of a Scottish spice merchant, The Sun House is a colonial property built in the 1860s that has been thoughtfully converted into a small, intimate hotel. Perched high on a hill yet only a five-minute stroll from the centre of the seaside town of Galle, it offers panoramic views across the harbour and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fort Galle. What it exudes above all else is a country house atmosphere — unhurried, elegant, and quietly personal.

The house has been renovated to preserve its colonial charm while offering every comfort a discerning guest might require. It is well known for its fine dining, its privacy, and an eclectic collection of artwork, books and furniture that give every corner of the property its own character. Staying here is, as the house itself puts it, a chance to be transported back to the relaxed life of the planters — a day beginning with a hearty breakfast and ending with a cocktail at sunset.

Accommodation

The Sun House has seven highly individual bedrooms: three standard rooms, two deluxe rooms, and two premium suites. Each is furnished with colonial antique pieces and dreamy four-poster beds, and each has its own elegant bathroom. Fine bed linen, quality bath towels, tropical flower arrangements and carefully chosen soft furnishings reflect the house's firm belief that the difference is in the detail.

The Heart of the House

The large central living area is where guests tend to gather at the end of the day. Here, one can sink into a relaxing sofa, browse the eclectic book collection, and listen to music while enjoying a pot of up-country tea — or something a little stronger. Dick's Bar, nominated as one of the best cocktail bars in the world and now Galle's meeting point of choice, is where the house's own Sun House Sour is poured, alongside surprise creations mixed by the resident barman. A simpler menu of salads, soups and pies is also available at the bar.

The Gardens

Two beautiful tropical gardens surround the property. The fragrant frangipani garden — known locally as the temple tree garden — leads guests through to the swimming pool, while the mango garden faces a stunning view of Galle harbour. Both gardens are idyllic, serene spaces for reading, writing, sunbathing, or simply doing nothing at all.

Dining

Delicious fusion cuisine is served throughout the day. Meals can be taken in the dining room, on one of the house's airy verandahs, or in the garden beneath the mango tree — each setting offering its own particular mood depending on the hour and the weather.

Location

The Sun House sits on Sri Lanka's south coast, a stretch of coastline quietly establishing itself as a destination of choice for the world's more inquisitive travellers. From this hilltop base, guests are conveniently placed to visit the Galle Fort, Buddhist temples, rainforests, lowland tea plantations, wildlife reserves, and some of the most celebrated beaches in the Indian Ocean. The local markets and villages of the Southern Province are equally worth exploring, and the staff are on hand to help guests plan their days and make the most of their time in the region.